111 - MONET, Claude (1840–1926).

MONET, Claude (1840–1926). Autograph letter signed “Claude Monet,” London, March 24, 1901, to Blanche HOSCHEDÉ-MONET; 4 pages, in-8 format, on letterhead from the Savoy Hotel, Embankment Gardens, London. To his daughter-in-law Blanche, regarding his interrupted work in London. Note: He is feeling better but “nearly been more seriously affected than I was because of the stupid doctor who treated me at first—he didn’t realize I was developing pleurisy, and he sent me home, which only made the condition worse.” He was forced to stay in bed “without being able to do anything, and I’ve been here for 15 days now, which isn’t much fun. Now I feel fine, though I still have a little back pain, but I’m eating and sleeping well without any fever, and I can do a few pastel sketches to keep myself from getting bored.” He hopes the doctor will allow him to leave by the end of next week, “since he thinks I’m much better and I feel it myself. As for painting, my canvases—no, don’t even mention them to me, no matter what you think.” He’s sad not to have received a letter from Giverny and has heard bad news about “poor J.P.” [Jean-Pierre Hoschedé]. “What a string of misfortunes and torments—and how I long to be back home to offer a little comfort to my poor Alice”…